In a landmark moment for the Maldives, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, the esteemed Imam and Khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, will visit the Maldives following the official approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
This historic visit marks the first time in 40 years that an Imam from one of the Two Holy Mosques—either the Grand Mosque in Mecca or the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina—will visit the Maldives. The last such visit was in 1984, when Sheikh Muhammad Al-Subayyil, the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, attended the opening ceremony of the Islamic Center in Malé.
Dr. Al-Budair, a globally respected Islamic scholar known for his eloquent Quranic recitation and deep knowledge of Shariah, will participate in a series of significant religious and official events. These include delivering the Friday sermon at the Islamic Center, giving a public religious lecture, meeting with local scholars, visiting the Salman Mosque and Islamic institutions, and paying a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizz.
The announcement was made by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and the Saudi Embassy in the Maldives for their support in making the visit possible.
“This visit is a profound honor for the Maldives and its people,” Minister Shaheem said. “It represents a spiritual and historical milestone, as well as a deepening of the brotherly ties between our two nations.”
Dr. Salah Al-Budair currently serves as an Imam at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and is known for leading Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan. His visit is anticipated to inspire and uplift the Maldivian Muslim community, bringing renewed focus to religious scholarship and unity.
